Conception Dates and Abortion Concerns in Obstetrics

Q: Conception Dates and Abortion Concerns in Obstetrics

Hello, the inquirer： It is recommended to confirm pregnancy with a physician and then discuss with your partner. <br>The success rate of medical abortion is approximately 95%, with a failure rate of about 5%. <br>The process for medical abortion is as follows： (1) The physician m

Pregnancy Date & Related Issues of Induced Abortion

My menstrual cycle is relatively regular.
My last period was from January 3 to January 7.
I had sexual intercourse on January 17 with withdrawal (but there might have been a slight leakage before withdrawal).
I had another sexual encounter on January 24 with ejaculation inside (which should be during the safe period according to my cycle).
I took a pregnancy test on February 2 and February 5, both showing one line.
However, on February 8, the test showed a faint second line.
During this time, I experienced slight bleeding.
On February 15, I went to the obstetrics and gynecology department for an abdominal ultrasound, but nothing was seen, although the pregnancy test showed two clear lines.
The doctor said this indicates I am about one month pregnant.

Questions:
1) Is it possible to conceive during the safe period?
2) On January 17, which might have been around ovulation, is it possible for leaked sperm to cause pregnancy?
3) I am married and have one child, and I do not plan to have a second child.
If I need medication for this, does my husband need to accompany me? Can I just bring his signature and identification?

POLLY, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/22

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the inquirer: It is recommended to confirm pregnancy with a physician and then discuss with your partner.
The success rate of medical abortion is approximately 95%, with a failure rate of about 5%.
The process for medical abortion is as follows: (1) The physician must be a qualified "maternal and child health" doctor authorized to perform medical abortions.
(2) The patient should receive a patient consent form, which must be read carefully.
If there are any questions, they should be discussed with healthcare personnel to ensure complete understanding before signing the "patient consent form." (3) Married patients must have their partner accompany them, and the partner must present identification and sign the consent form.
(4) Minors must have a parent or guardian present, who must bring identification and personally sign the consent form.

Process: Before taking the abortion medication, the patient must read and sign the "patient consent form." The patient will take three oral doses of the abortion medication at once.
After 36 to 48 hours, the patient should return for a follow-up appointment, where they will take prostaglandin medication and can then go home.
If there are any discomforts, hospitalization for observation may be necessary.
Within one to two weeks after taking the abortion medication, the patient must return for follow-up to confirm through clinical examination, β-HCG measurement, and ultrasound that the embryo has been completely expelled.
Possible side effects may include uterine contractions or cramping (10-15%), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, low blood pressure, skin allergic reactions, dizziness, flushing, chills, etc.
Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2016/02/22

More Info

When it comes to understanding conception dates and concerns regarding abortion in obstetrics, there are several important factors to consider based on your situation. Let's break down your questions and provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

1. Can you conceive during the safe period?
The concept of a "safe period" is based on the menstrual cycle, where ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before the next expected period. However, sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. This means that if you have intercourse during your safe period, there is still a possibility of conception if ovulation occurs shortly after. Given that you had intercourse on January 17 and again on January 24, it is crucial to consider the timing of ovulation. If ovulation occurred later than expected, it is possible that sperm from the January 17 encounter could lead to conception.

2. Is it possible for sperm to leak out and still result in pregnancy?
Yes, even a small amount of pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) can contain sperm. If there was any leakage before withdrawal during intercourse on January 17, there is a possibility that sperm could have entered the vagina, leading to potential conception. This is particularly relevant if ovulation occurred shortly after that encounter.

3. Regarding your pregnancy tests and ultrasound results:
The fact that you received faint lines on your pregnancy tests indicates that there may be a pregnancy, especially if the lines became more pronounced over time. The ultrasound not showing anything at this stage could be due to several factors, including the timing of the scan relative to your ovulation and implantation. It is possible to have a very early pregnancy that may not yet be visible on an ultrasound.

4. Concerns about abortion and medication:
If you are considering a medical abortion, it is generally recommended that you have a support person with you, especially if you are taking medication that may have side effects or require monitoring. In many healthcare settings, having your husband accompany you is advisable, but in some cases, it may be possible to have him sign consent forms and provide identification without being physically present. This can vary by location and healthcare provider, so it is best to check with your specific clinic for their policies.

5. Emotional and psychological considerations:
Given that you have a child and are not planning for another, it is understandable to feel anxious about the situation. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your feelings and any concerns you may have regarding the process of abortion or the implications of an unintended pregnancy.

In conclusion, while there are possibilities of conception during what is considered a "safe period," it is essential to understand the nuances of your menstrual cycle, the timing of ovulation, and the potential for sperm to cause pregnancy even with withdrawal methods. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options, it is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare professional who can provide you with the necessary support and information tailored to your situation. Remember, your health and well-being are paramount, and there are resources available to help you navigate this challenging time.

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